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Constable honoured for bravery in chopper attack remains humble

Frontline policing remains a priority for this year's Bronze Medal for Bravery awardee Constable Cheung Wah-yuk, who felt 'happy and honoured' by the government commendation.

Constable Cheung, 35, cites his active personality and his drive to help the needy as his reasons for staying in the Tin Shui Wai division, where he serves.

He survived a chopper attack while trying to foil a robbery attempt in Yuen Long in January last year.

Constable Cheung fired two shots at the suspect, eventually killing him.

'The moment I realised the extent of my injures, apart from being worried about my life, my thoughts were of my family, my boss and my closest colleagues,' Constable Cheung said.

He suffered a fractured skull, seven stab wounds and a severed tendon in his left hand, and was off work for four months.

Constable Cheung is among the 269 awardees given the nod in this year's Honours List, issued yearly to reward citizens for their service to the public.

The valiant officer is taking the accolade in his stride, explaining that law enforcers should not dwell on rewards but concentrate on doing the job well instead.

'I feel the award belongs to the entire police force,' said Constable Cheung. 'I want to share it with the rest of the team that participated in that chase.'

He also gave thanks to the chief executive, the commissioner of police and concerned members of the public.

The constable was also grateful to the medical team at Tuen Mun Hospital who nursed him back to health.

Constable Cheung has almost completely recovered, although his bloody encounter permanently impaired his flexibility.

The 15-year veteran says his experiences serving in the police tactical unit, emergency unit and airport security unit honed his responsiveness and physical fitness, allowing him to survive the chopper attack.

Despite his harrowing experience, he said he would advise his future children to join the force, as 'every profession has its risks'.

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